About Emmett Stralka
Engineering Student | Technical Innovator | Problem Solver
About Me
Engineering Student & Technical Innovator
Welcome to my technical portfolio! I’m a dedicated engineering student passionate about bridging the gap between innovative technology and practical solutions.
My Journey
Academic Foundation
I’m currently pursuing a dual major in Engineering and Economics at Harvey Mudd College, one of the nation’s premier institutions for science and engineering education. This unique combination allows me to approach technical challenges with both engineering rigor and business acumen.
Current Coursework: - E155: Microcontrollers & FPGA Design - Learning embedded systems and digital design - Digital Electronics - Circuit design and analysis fundamentals - Product Management - Understanding business strategy and market analysis - Economic Analysis - Quantitative methods and decision-making frameworks
Academic Focus: - Pursuing dual majors in Engineering and Economics - Developing expertise in embedded systems and FPGA programming - Building foundation in both technical and business domains - Active in engineering student organizations and technical projects
Professional Experience
I’m building my professional foundation through academic projects and coursework that bridge engineering and business:
Academic Projects
Current Focus - Learning Areas: - Embedded systems development and FPGA programming - Digital circuit design and analysis - Business strategy and economic analysis - Product management and market research
Technical Skills Development
Coursework & Projects - Key Areas: - Microcontroller programming and assembly language - FPGA design and digital systems - Data analysis and quantitative methods - Project management and team collaboration
Professional Growth: Through my coursework and projects, I’m developing the ability to approach technical challenges with both engineering rigor and business perspective, building skills in problem-solving, analysis, and communication.
Technical Projects & Interests
I’m exploring various engineering domains through coursework and personal projects:
Embedded Systems Development
Current Focus: E155 Microcontrollers & FPGA Design - Learning Areas: ARM assembly programming, digital circuit design, real-time systems - Technical Skills: FPGA programming, microcontroller architecture, hardware-software integration - Applications: Understanding embedded systems for IoT and automation applications
Engineering Problem-Solving
Academic Projects: Applied engineering principles - Technical Focus: Circuit analysis, signal processing, and system design - Software Development: C programming, assembly language, and embedded systems - Hardware Design: Digital circuits, timing analysis, and peripheral integration
Future Interests
Areas of Exploration: - Advanced embedded systems and IoT applications - Machine learning and signal processing - Product development and engineering management - Sustainable technology and renewable energy systems
Project Goals: Building a strong foundation in embedded systems while exploring the intersection of engineering and business applications.
Personal Interests & Balance
Beyond academics and engineering, I maintain a balanced lifestyle that supports my technical development:
Athletic Interests
Track & Field: Active participation in track and field - Focus Areas: Sprinting and middle-distance events - Personal Development: Building discipline, teamwork, and goal-setting skills - Time Management: Learning to balance athletic training with academic responsibilities
Personal Growth
Life Skills Development: - Discipline: Applying systematic approaches to both athletics and academics - Teamwork: Collaborating effectively in both athletic and academic settings - Resilience: Developing mental toughness and persistence in challenging situations - Time Management: Balancing multiple commitments and priorities
Engineering Applications
Skills Transfer: - Systematic Approach: Applying structured training methods to technical problem-solving - Performance Focus: Using data-driven analysis to improve both athletic and academic performance - Collaboration: Working effectively in team environments across different contexts - Goal Setting: Setting and achieving both short-term and long-term objectives
Key Insight: The principles of discipline, teamwork, and continuous improvement that support athletic success also contribute to engineering excellence and personal development.
E155: Microcontrollers & FPGA Design
Course Overview & Technical Achievements
This website documents my comprehensive journey through E155: Microcontrollers and FPGA Design at Harvey Mudd College. This course represents a deep dive into embedded systems, digital design, and hardware-software integration.
Technical Skills Being Developed: - FPGA Programming: Learning Intel Cyclone V design and system clock management - Microcontroller Architecture: Understanding ARM Cortex-M4 architecture and peripheral programming - Assembly Language: Exploring ARM assembly programming and optimization techniques - Real-time Systems: Learning interrupt-driven programming and system timing - Hardware Debugging: Developing skills with oscilloscopes and logic analyzers
Learning Objectives: - Technical Skills: Developing proficiency in embedded systems programming - Problem-Solving: Building systematic approaches to hardware-software integration - Documentation: Learning to document technical processes and solutions - Collaboration: Working effectively in technical team environments - Continuous Learning: Building foundation for advanced embedded systems development
Each lab builds upon previous knowledge, creating a comprehensive understanding of modern embedded systems design with measurable technical outcomes.
My Approach to Engineering
Problem-Solving Philosophy
I believe in a systematic approach to engineering challenges:
1. Understanding the Problem
Thoroughly analyzing requirements, constraints, and stakeholder needs before jumping to solutions.
2. Research & Analysis
Investigating existing solutions, best practices, and emerging technologies that could inform the design.
3. Iterative Design
Building prototypes, testing assumptions, and refining solutions based on real-world feedback.
4. Documentation & Communication
Clearly documenting decisions, processes, and outcomes to enable knowledge sharing and future improvements.
Connect With Me
Let’s Collaborate
I’m always excited to connect with fellow engineers, researchers, and innovators. Whether you’re interested in:
- Technical collaboration on embedded systems projects
- Discussing engineering education and career development
- Exploring opportunities in product management or technical leadership
- Sharing insights about the intersection of engineering and business